“You’re the only man that can make me feel like this. That’s why…” He stopped suddenly, the flicker of something dark passing across his face. I prom “You’re the only man that can make me feel like this. That’s why…” He stopped suddenly, the flicker of something dark passing across his face. I prompted him. “That’s why?” “Why I’d do anything for you.”
“There are millions of people in the world you could fuck.” “They don’t cry as nicely as you. They don’t beg with the same note of desperation in their voice either. And they’re not as good at being a whore.”
These guys are back in all their messed up, manipulative, possessive, codependent glory. At this point everyone who's interacted with me, even for a second, knows that Shai was definitely one of my highlights last year, and even though it's early, I can safely say it's the same for Elijah. I was so excited for this sequel and I'm very happy to say it delivered. It gave me everything I expected and much more. Just like the first book, it's unbelievably hot, very dark and twisty. The story is gripping, I loved the way it was told, and it had an excellent balance of the relationship and the plot. It's also very character-driven, and the characterisation is excellent. I'm obsessed with the dynamic of the MCs, especially how it reflected the one established in the previous book, but also how it was expanded upon from there.
This book subverted my expectations, made me uncomfortable at times and played with my mind a little, and I loved every moment of it. It was a riveting and very satisfying story, and I highly recommend it for dark romance readers....more
This was enjoyable, but it didn't wow me. There was nothing actively bad about it. I liked the way both characters were written well enough, but I didThis was enjoyable, but it didn't wow me. There was nothing actively bad about it. I liked the way both characters were written well enough, but I didn't love them. I thought the premise was great, and this had some cute moments, I just didn't find myself that invested (which is a rare occurence when I read a Merikan book), so it all fell a little flat for me. I am intrigued by this series, though, and I look forward to reading Jag's story....more
I am completely hooked on this series. Like, no critical thought whatsoever. Asa and Zane are amazing together. I didn't quite get a read on Asa in thI am completely hooked on this series. Like, no critical thought whatsoever. Asa and Zane are amazing together. I didn't quite get a read on Asa in the previous books, but I liked him a lot in this one. I would say these two are my favourite couple so far. I know I say that every time one of these books come out sooo...At least until the next book, which, if the hints here are anything to go on, sound exactly up my alley. Anyway. I loved their connection, they were a lot of fun together, and really hot. The D/s vibe is just excellent. I loved the primal play, their attraction and their connection in general.
I honestly kinda skimmed through the mystery subplot, sometimes the foreshadowing for the future books was a little too on the nose, and the Lois nickname was a little too much for me but those are all minor niggles for me , and other than that this was great. This is the book I can see myself rereading the most so far.
I love dark romance, and it took me a while to get used to the lighter tone of these books, but now I'll all in. I love this messed up family and I look forward to reading more of them....more
Reread Nov 22nd, 2021- My brain is doing the thing where I can't focus on new books, but the old ones are too familiar, so I reread this, and man, thiReread Nov 22nd, 2021- My brain is doing the thing where I can't focus on new books, but the old ones are too familiar, so I reread this, and man, this is so hot and their dynamic just checks all of my boxes. I'm tempted to change my rating to 5 stars...more
A little rushed and a little over the top, but I loved the couple so I'm rounding up A little rushed and a little over the top, but I loved the couple so I'm rounding up ...more
I don't have much to say except I absolutely love bodice-rippers, and this book delivered. It has everything I love about this type of story without tI don't have much to say except I absolutely love bodice-rippers, and this book delivered. It has everything I love about this type of story without the problematic aspects, the characters are lovely, the writing is great, and I really really really need to read the next one....more
This is dark. Shai levels of dark and...I don't know. It was pretty short, and I think it would have been even better if it was a littlOMG THAT ENDING
This is dark. Shai levels of dark and...I don't know. It was pretty short, and I think it would have been even better if it was a little longer, but even as it is it's packed with...hot and messed up stuff happening. It's deliciously dark. Ba-Pef corrupting Arlo was just brutal. The possession was super creepy. The sex was amazing. The ending was so satisfying.
I do wish some of their scenes/plot points had been expanded a little, especially because I think a couple of scenes with the secondary characters could have been cut, but that's a very minor niggle and it's mostly because I just want more of them.
The book says it's not a romance, but I think it fits the dark romance category, and without spoiling, you don't have to worry about a HEA, it's there, just...dark. Edit: Rebecca says she doesn't consider it a romance either, which, I can see why, so take that into account too...more
I would say this is more romantic erotica than erotic romance, but the romance part is pretty effective. The characters are compelling (and they wouldI would say this is more romantic erotica than erotic romance, but the romance part is pretty effective. The characters are compelling (and they would both be a tiny bit creepy if it was real life but let's just gloss over that), they had a lot of chemistry, and I even liked the formal BDSM aspect, which is rare for me. Surprisingly passionate and romantic smut...more
Why would I read the last book in a series first, even though I got the rest ages ago, and I'm going to read them, and while they're standalones, readWhy would I read the last book in a series first, even though I got the rest ages ago, and I'm going to read them, and while they're standalones, reading the rest of the books would make for an even better experience reading the last one? Well, that's between me and my therapist, thank you very much....more
I loved this. This is one of the few books that aren't misleading with the term romcom. It has all the romcom beats, the writing is great, the charactI loved this. This is one of the few books that aren't misleading with the term romcom. It has all the romcom beats, the writing is great, the characters are awesome. Lewis isn't the easiest character to like, but I got where he was coming from, and I can forgive a lot when a character's heart is in the right place. Aaron is lovely, and the pining was amazing. I loved the fanfic discourse, and the way Lewis accepts it in the end is excellent. I'm not a fan of public declarations, but I'll make an exception for this because it was adorable. And of course, Owen, I hope he gets his own book. (Please let him be paired with Mason.)...more
This book started out so strong and so emotionally charged, I was pretty sure it would be another win, but it unraveled somewhere along the way a littThis book started out so strong and so emotionally charged, I was pretty sure it would be another win, but it unraveled somewhere along the way a little. Still really enjoyable, but it was a little long winded at times. I loved their chemistry, I thought it was heartbreaking how they wanted to be mated even as kids/teenagers, without knowing it was "wrong", but then they were shamed for it. Anyway, basically by the end it got a little too melodramatic for me, and even the sex scenes were a little too much and a little OTT for me. But then again that didn't bother me in the other books, so I think it just might be the overall pacing of this one. And there was some stuff that I had trouble deciding if I was into it, or to be honest, I really didn't want to realize I was into it. ...more
4.5 ⭐ Well, here I am diving into mpreg. I did not see this coming, but I don't care. I loved this. Very enjoyable and highly entertaining. First of al4.5 ⭐ Well, here I am diving into mpreg. I did not see this coming, but I don't care. I loved this. Very enjoyable and highly entertaining. First of all - two alphas, enemies to lovers with a bunch UST along the way. There's a scene in s6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer where Buffy and Spike take down a building by having sex. This book is that scene in romance novel form. But wait, there's more. There's hurt/comfort, a lot of emotions, and donuts too. The only reason I'm not rounding up is that some deeper stuff was almost glossed over, and a little too neatly wrapped up, but other than that it was excellent....more
I enjoyed this so much. Annabelle Greene's writing and character dynamics are very addictive, and this book is no exception. I'm not usually a fan of I enjoyed this so much. Annabelle Greene's writing and character dynamics are very addictive, and this book is no exception. I'm not usually a fan of lovers to enemies to lovers trope, but this book had so much yearning, it was great. It was passionate, intense, witty, with so much pining. I loved the baby mystery, the atmosphere, and the secondary characters. The way the story unfolds, slowly uncovering their past was great, and there was a lot of cuteness too (Parsley!). The ending was swoony as well. I highly recommend this....more
Bailey Nicole is pushing all the right buttons with this series. I was very excited to read this, and I'm happy to report I enjoyed it a lot. I loved Bailey Nicole is pushing all the right buttons with this series. I was very excited to read this, and I'm happy to report I enjoyed it a lot. I loved Teddy in the previous book, but Liam truly shines here. He was fascinating and relatable, and I loved him. Teddy's issues didn't get that much on page time as I expected, but he was still lovely and I was happy to see him get what he's wanted for years. There were a couple of moments where I was a little taken aback, but nothing to make me dnf. Really hot and very twisted, but it worked. I loved the ambience of this series, and I love seeing these guys getting to a better place in their lives. The ending was a little too neatly wrapped up, but I loved Liam's mom finally coming around, and I loved the epilogue.
Which brings me to our last order of business - JASPER AND ANT!!!! The way I am craving this book! Enemies to lovers, TONS of tension, and there seems to have been a threesome involved...more
Edit: I would like to urge everyone to read the bonus epilogue because there's a fluffy kitten in itEdit: I would like to urge everyone to read the bonus epilogue because there's a fluffy kitten in it...more
"Now, hold me down and take what's yours or I'll find someone who can."
Well, I consider this is a 5 star read, but I'm not sure I could in good con"Now, hold me down and take what's yours or I'll find someone who can."
Well, I consider this is a 5 star read, but I'm not sure I could in good conscience recommend this, unless you're a seasoned dark romance reader...more
This book has a really solid atmosphere. It's gritty, bleak, and a little suffocating. This reminded me of when I was a teenager, and I read Zoo StatiThis book has a really solid atmosphere. It's gritty, bleak, and a little suffocating. This reminded me of when I was a teenager, and I read Zoo Station: The Story of Christiane F., and then binged on anything similar I could get my hands on.
I'm pretty happy with it. The romance fell a little flat for me, and the plot could be a little more defined, but I was still invested. It gave me everything I like in romance so I can't complain, even though the romance is not the strongest part of the book. I loved the friend group, and it worked when they were hanging out, supporting each other, and even doing stupid, irresponsible stuff. I do think Ben and Damon could have had more distinct voices and personalities. That's the thing about people who just sit on their ass getting drunk/high - they're frustratingly boring to sober people. I just wanted something more from their relationship. Some parts were also little dramatic - to the point where I wasn't sure it was being true to character or unrealistic, so that didn't help, but it wasn't annoying either. I actually liked the writing, and I usually avoid first person present POV, but this one kept my attention.
I will say this whole setup is very ambitious, and I've seen similar things go terribly wrong for much more experienced authors. It managed to give a sympathetic and realistic potrayal of addiction. While some of it definitely should have been expanded and slightly more fleshed-out, I think it worked pretty well as a whole. Since most of the book is so gritty, it's way too neatly wrapped up and rationalised at the end (don't get me started on the therapist at the end), but for the most part it's really good.
Anyway, with a debut this strong, I look forward to reading more from this author. I was a little indifferent to Ben and Damon at times, but I am already obsessed with Teddy and Liam, and I can't wait to read their book....more
This is absolutely beautiful. It was just what I needed, and I have to admit, from the glimpses I saw of Grayson and Kai in book #2 (yes, I was readinThis is absolutely beautiful. It was just what I needed, and I have to admit, from the glimpses I saw of Grayson and Kai in book #2 (yes, I was reading out of order again), I didn't expect to find them this fascinating. But they were. It was a perfect friends to lovers story. The build up was amazing, if a little frustrating because it was obvious these two were perfect for each other. It was fun seeing Gray completely in denial and then slowly accepting it and pursuing Kai. And also how Kai was so damn frustrated and trying to keep his unfortunate crush under control but he couldn't help it. They had so much chemistry and great relationship development. The pacing was excellent, and I was glued to this book. It's kind of a slow burn, or at least it felt excruciatingly slow, but once they get there it's unbelievably hot. I also loved the banter, the possessiveness, and the affection between them. This book just really worked as a whole.
Another thing - this book and the sequel, are one of the few books I've read lately that I truly consider romcoms. There's a lot of romance and steam, it's light, emotional, and it's genuinely amusing and entertaining, without cringey antics posing as comedy.
My one niggle with this book is the same one I had with book #2 - it felt like most of the character development happened to Grayson (and Connor in book #2). It was like they had to go on this completely transformative journey, while the other person doesn't change that much. I just thought the changes were a little too drastic. I liked that Grayson started thinking outside of the box, and he wasn't trying to live up to other people's expectations, but I don't think he necessarily had to turn his whole life upside down. Still, that's a very minor thing, probably personal preference, and it didn't take away from my enjoyment one bit, it's just something I noticed.
I enjoyed this one a lot. It's a best friends to enemies to lovers, very character-driven, and with a lot of emphasis in hurt and comfort.
I loved theI enjoyed this one a lot. It's a best friends to enemies to lovers, very character-driven, and with a lot of emphasis in hurt and comfort.
I loved the banter. I loved how well-developed all the characters are, and how you never know where it's going. It definitely doesn't follow the typical romance novel structure. It starts when the characters are in school and it brings us to present day, with quite a few flashbacks, and it's very gripping.
I loved how Michael was unapologetically himself, and how much Jared worked to live his life on his own terms. The steam is off the charts. There's also almost a feeling of a love triangle here, which I usually don't enjoy, but it's resolved quickly, and really well dealt with, and also I could feel every bit of chemistry and attraction, so I really enjoyed it. I also liked seeing how much they've changed over the years, but how they still have that connection, and those boys are still the same deep down.
Now - HUGE SPOILER AHEAD - another thing I liked about this book is that it finally gave me something I've been looking for a while - (view spoiler)[ a representation of a somewhat open-ish relationship - the MCs have a threesome with their friend, and it's implied that they will continue to do that, while staying emotionally commited to each other. It's not exactly the open relationship I've been looking for, but not the usual strict monogamy either. My only niggle with that part is that, while it was foreshadowed and gradual, there was still some whiplash from how quickly Jared went from being possessive, and jealous to wanting to share that with Michael and Ben, and I feel like they needed to communicate about that part a little more. And also, even though they're friends at that point, I feel like Michael and Ben having feelings for each other before had a lot of potential for messiness. Still, extremely hot, and I loved that we finally get something other than monogamy or polyamory in a book. (hide spoiler)]
So, yeah, I would have like that part to be a bit more developed, but it didn't really take away from my enjoyment that much. I also loved the friends and the found family aspect. I would have liked the plot to be a little tighter and more linear, but it's nothing drastic.
All in all, just a very well-written book with so much love and chemistry. Maybe not your typical romance, but I enjoyed it, and I'm really excited for what comes next....more
Fun, hot, definitely a little OTT but I didn't mind it here because the MCs had great chemistry and they were doing everything I wanted them to do. LoFun, hot, definitely a little OTT but I didn't mind it here because the MCs had great chemistry and they were doing everything I wanted them to do. Lots of fluffiness, jealousy, and other great forced proximity/fake relationship stuff...more
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